Share this Page

Walcott fuelled by coffee machine promise

Theo Walcott celebrated the birth of his second child with a goal in Arsenal’s win over Bournemouth and moved closer to winning a coffee machine from his wife in the process.

The 27-year-old was present for the birth of Arlo on Saturday and was given dispensation from manager Arsene Wenger to link up later with his team-mates as they secured a 3-1 win over the Cherries to move to within three points of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Alexis Sanchez gave Arsene the lead having been gifted possession by Steve Cook, but Eddie Howe’s side struck back as Callum Wilson converted a penalty having been fouled in the box by Nacho Monreal.

Walcott’s header early in the second half restored the lead for the Gunners, with Sanchez finishing off a flowing move at the start of stoppage time.

The win means Arsenal broke a run of three successive draws and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions this season, which stretches back to their opening weekend defeat to Liverpool.

For Walcott, his header was his ninth goal of the season and he revealed afterwards that he is closing in on winning a bet he made with his wife at the start of the campaign.

When asked if he was pleased to have scored so many goals before the festive period, the England international replied: “I want to get 10 so I can get a coffee machine for Christmas from my wife!

“She said ‘if you get 10 goals before Christmas, I’ll buy you this coffee machine’ so I can’t wait for that. That should hopefully happen.

“Coming from the wing as well, I’m obviously very delighted about that. But I’m more delighted about the way the team is progressing from the first disappointing game.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs but hopefully this game can make sure we are back to the level we want to be.

“There is so much competition as well – the manager picks the team and there were a few more changes today which shows the squad’s strength in depth is very strong. It is a headache for the manager.”